An engine swap is the bedrock of hotrodding. It’s been that way ever since someone first dropped a Flathead Ford V8 onto a spindly Model T frame. That paved the way for folks to stuff all manner of massive powerplants into absurdly small engine bays.

…The results, of course, are all sorts of awesome.

So we came up with a list of our Top 10 Favorite Engine Swaps. Take a look at the list, click the headlines for more details, and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

1. Project Thunderbolt: LS3 Miata

A modern take on the Shelby Cobra or Sunbeam Tiger, stuffing an LS in a Miata is getting more and more common. (Image/Summit Racing)

2. Project XJS-LS: LQ4 Jaguar XJS

An LQ4 LS engine swap is a smart way to make a Jaguar fast and reliable. (Image/Summit Racing)

3. Ford Model A with Cummins B-Series

Cummins-Diesel-Hot-Rod-Engine-Front-driver-side
No 350/350 swap here, this hot rod is sporting a six-pot Cummins B-Series diesel. We’re a fan of the custom frame work too. Also, Duallies! (Image/SpeedArticle)

4. Datsun 510 with L-Series 2.0L

Datsun 510 front
A 2.0L in a Datsun “Five-Dime” is basically like stuffing a BBC into a Chevy II. (Image/SpeedArticle)

5. Monte Makeover: 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo SS LQ4

Not only did this Monte get an LQ4 LS, it received a manual transmission and a ton of other upgrades to turn it into an autocross course monster. (Image/Travis Jones)

6. Rutledge Wood’s LS3-Powered 1949 Chevy Step Van

This van delivers plenty of burnouts thanks to its 525 HP LS3 crate motor. (Image/Summit Racing)

7. 1977 Chevy K5 Blazer-E

The future of engine swaps? This Blazer is a test mule for GM’s eCrate electric drivetrain conversion packages. (Image/Chevrolet)

8. 1973 AMC Javelin with 5.7L Gen. III Hemi

Stuffing a Chrysler Hemi into an AMC required some clever engineering, but the results are spectacular. (Image/SpeedArticle)

9. Jay Leno’s 1968 Ford Bronco with 5.2L Supercharged V8

Unveiled at the 2019 SEMA show, this Bronco’s packing a 760 HP V8 poached from a Shelby GT-500. (Image/SpeedArticle)

10. 1936 Ford/1947 Citroen with V16 Detroit Diesel

Frans' V16 Hot Rod
Ahhh…Uhhh….diesel…hot….rod…err…twin…turbo…JUST LOOK AT IT!!!!11!!one!! (Image/SpeedArticle)
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Author: Paul Sakalas

Paul is the editor of SpeedArticle. When he's not writing, you'll probably find him fixing oil leaks in a Jeep CJ-5 or roof leaks in 1972 Corvette ragtop. Thanks to a penchant for vintage Honda motorcycles, he spends the rest of his time fiddling with carburetors and cleaning chain lube off his left pant leg.